The pilot-in-command (PIC) of Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight has also tested positive in a confirmatory drug test. The pilot’s initial screening test was reported as non-negative after the aircraft landed in Delhi following the turbulence incident. A confirmatory test was then carried out, and its results were received on Tuesday. Media reports claim that the second drug test indicated that the pilot had consumed marijuana. The incident took place on August 4 on an Air India flight travelling from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. While flying over Bhubaneswar, the plane suddenly dropped by around 300 feet, injuring several passengers and crew members. The aircraft later landed safely in Delhi. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has removed both members of the flight crew from the roster until the investigation is completed. Pictures showing the inside of the plane after the accident… Air India says investigation ongoing, cannot comment Air India said on Monday that it could not comment on the findings or observations related to the investigation into the Phuket-Delhi flight incident. The airline said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was conducting the investigation under the relevant provisions. An airline spokesperson said, “The investigation into the incident is ongoing, so Air India cannot comment on any aspect of it. We will continue to provide full support to the relevant authorities as required.” Air India CEO appears before ministry A team of Air India executives, led by CEO Campbell Wilson, met senior officials of the Civil Aviation Ministry on Tuesday. Former Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola and Air India’s Head of Flight Safety Deepak Joshi also attended the meeting. Claim: Flight faced several technical problems News agency PTI, quoting sources, had reported that the aircraft’s hydraulic system failed three times. The autopilot also disconnected, after which the co-pilot immediately took manual control of the aircraft. Several indicator switches on the aircraft also reportedly stopped working for a short period. Teams from France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) and Airbus are arriving in India on Tuesday to assist with the investigation into the cause of the incident. The aircraft involved was an Airbus A320, which is manufactured in France, which is why the BEA is also taking part in the investigation. Post navigation Maharashtra schoolgirls turn reporters to highlight bad roads:Using umbrellas as mics, girls say, ‘Can’t tell road from potholes’; MLA gets road repaired Chief Minister Shri Sai paid homage to Chhattisgarh’s first woman MP and social worker Minimata ji on her death anniversary.
